The term self-expression is one which at first glance is a pursuit patently absorbed in what is dangerously close to – and nothing more than – navel gazing.  On the other hand it signifies what is merely the flat and inescapable truth or axiom that one’s expression – or one’s pronouncement or articulation of the universe – is ultimately personal.  Allowed this broader and more forgiving nature, the perilous preoccupation becomes a less introverted exposition of the outside world.

Nonetheless the distinguishing feature of self-expression remains its identity with the author. There are standard leagues of self-expression (all of which, I think you’ll agree, instantly spark personal acquaintance):

. Writing
. Painting (oil, acrylic, water colour) and Drawing (pen, ink, computerized)
. Music and musical instruments
. Photography and cameras
. Apparel (clothing, hats and shoes)
. Automobiles
. Jewellery
. Cooking (including entertainment and table linen, cutlery, goblets and flatware)
. Furnishings (including rugs)
. Clocks and Time pieces
. Accessories (including crystal, sculpture, brass and bronze)
. Art (wall hangings)
. Alcohol (beer, liquor, wine, distilled)
. Books
. Technology (computers, smart phones, tablets, radios)
. Architecture

Closely associated with many if not all of those items is an underlying pride and sense of accomplishment. How each of us achieves our self-expression is both the vehicle and the destination of the application. Obviously the intent isn’t merely the vulgar demonstration of any particular mode; that is, the objective is always aligned with the inner meaning to the author, an authority which must never be discounted or overlooked because it naturally speaks to the rudiments of the author and therefore enables a more flavourful examination of the subject.

It is this personal identity which spirits the expression as well because the communication is invariably from an internal source deep within the expedient. Whether it blossoms and blooms in any particular manner – or survives only as mustard seed scattered infertile on the walkway of life – is illustrative only of the evolutionary process from within.

Those of us on the receiving end of self-expression make our own personal decisions regarding the assumed intentions or projected ambitions of the author. My experience is that, admitted or not, the revelations – whatever they may be – are predominantly irrelevant to the author notwithstanding the fodder they afford to the audience. That is, self-expression is an imperative not a calculated fraction or casual emanation. I confess the unwillingness of some authors to accept the interpretation of the expression; but I don’t think that contaminates to strength of the source.